There are plenty of things to do in and around Charleston and summer is one of the best times to do them. So, next time you visit Charleston keep these four things in mind when looking for something to do. They might be a little drive away from Downtown, but you won't regret making the trip.
1. The Avian Conservation Center in Awendaw
Located about an hour away from Downtown Charleston, the Avian Conservation Center takes in and cares for injured birds of prey. It is a unique place that has a mission to educate the public about birds in nature as well as what we can do to protect their habitats. The center is staffed with animal medical professionals and experts as well as volunteers. They take in sick or injured birds and nurse them back to health to be released into the wild; if a bird is unable to be releases it is cared for and used to educate visitors. It is a place like no other and will instill a new respect for birds (and nature as a whole) in anyone who visits. The center is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm; prices vary depending on what you choose to do.
2. Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner
Sitting on the Cooper River, Old Santee Canal Park is a former plantation turned history and nature reserve. It has numerous activities including canoeing, hiking, a museum, an interpretive center, and a plantation house. The park had walking and canoeing trails perfect for spotting local wildlife and the Interpretive Center has plenty of exhibits about the regions nature. It houses and oak bluff with many animals that can be found in the Lowcountry, two theaters that showcase the historical and natural significance of the area, and history exhibits of the region that go back to 4,000 B.C. The Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center is also located on the park's grounds and is included in the price of entry. It has exhibits and artifacts that chronicle 12,000 years of the area's history. The Stony Landing plantation house was built around 1843 and is still on the property with tours available. The park is open daily from 9 am to 5pm with entry costing $3 per person; the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm and on Sundays from 1 pm to 4:30 pm.
3. Biggin Church Ruins in Moncks Corner
On the outskirts of the town of Moncks Corner lay the Biggin Church Ruins. All that is left of the St. John Parish church built around 1710-1712, the Biggin Church Ruins were used up until the mid-nineteenth century despite several fires. The church was used by British troops to store ammunition during the Revolutionary War and when they left, they set it on fire. It was rebuilt after other subsequent fires, but was not rebuilt and used last in the late 1800s. The adjacent cemetery is still in use. The Ruins are the perfect spot to get great picture while also touching some history. The Ruins are free to visit and can be visited any time.
4. Mepkin Abbey in Cordesville
Located just up the road from the Biggin Church Ruins is Mepkin Abbey. It is a picturesque monastery with history going back as far as the 1600s. Monks still live on the property today, keeping up the land, farming, making sure the buildings are in order, and performing various religious exercises. The Abbey sits along the Cooper River. Visitors can walk the beautiful gardens and admire the huge trees as well as see religious scenes carved from fallen oaks. Guests can also visit the Mepkin Abbey Church and even attend worship services such as Lauds and Mass. Before leaving, the Reception Center Gift Shop is the perfect place for visitors to get a keepsake. The shop is stocked with art from local, national, and international artisans and monastics. It also carries produce from local and national monasteries. Mepkin Abbey is free to visit. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, Sundays from 1 pm to 3 pm, and the gardens are open daily from 9 am to 7 pm; guided tours are given at 11:30 pm and 3 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
See you this summer!
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